Infected bat spurs rabies scare in Albuquerque

Health officials are trying to find out if anyone touched a bat infected with rabies in northeast Albuquerque.

"That's pretty scary," resident Michael Northway told Action Seven News reporter Regina Ruiz. "I have a 16-month-old at home, and I hate to see anything happen to him because of that bat."

Residents on Betts Street are keeping an eye out for bats after one tested positive for rabies. And while some people were concerned, others said dealing with wild animals comes with the territory.

"You're in New Mexico, and there's rabies out here, and you need to be careful,” said resident Steve Romero. "It's not totally surprising because of the rodent population and rabies being alive and well, and we have everything else around here this time of year."

Ruiz said a major concern for health officials was for children who were near the infected bat and taking pictures of it. But they don't know if any of the children touched the bat.

A letter about the rabid bat went out to residents of the neighborhood and to the parents of students at area schools. Many residents told Ruiz that they won't let the incident scare them from enjoying summer nights outside.

"If I see something, I will go back in and call someone," said resident Jeanette Tuff. "But people should warn their children."

Health officials warn people to steer clear of bats. Even if they look interesting, bats are potential disease-carriers.

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